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World's Most Dangerous Roads: Siberian Mud Pirate Highway

Since summer trip driving season is about to go into full swing we figured why not take a look at the world's most dangerous roads. Know road rage inducing strip of asphalt that puts normal highways to shame? Send it along.

The Russian Federal Highway connects Moscow to Yakutsk.

The coldest temperatures ever recorded outside Antarctica was recorded near Yakutsk. Yakutsk is also the largest city built on continuous permafrost. Most houses are built on concrete piles because of the frozen ground. What does all this have to do with being one of the world's most dangerous roads?

During the winter, which is approximately ten months long, driving in and out of Yakutsk is subject to heavy snow, ice, and reduced visibility. However, winter road conditions are a picnic compared to trying to navigate the Russian Federal Highway on July and August.

Though many Siberian residents will tell you the highway is not paved to keep the Germans out (a tired World War II era joke), the truth is because of the permafrost there is no asphalt, creating a mud induced traffic jam every time the summer rains swing Yakutsk's way.

Near thousand car traffic jams are not unheard of and during these back ups and travelers might pass the time while stuck in Siberian traffic by looting, beating, and kidnapping other travelers. Siberian mud pirates. And we thought everyone got all Lord of the Flies when the Holland Tunnel gets backed up.

It isn't all danger and mud up on the Russian Federal Highway.

Check out the map video of some locals off-roading on the snowy highway.

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World's Most Dangerous Roads [Jaunted]

[Photo: ssqq]